German Eurofighter fleet to become more deadly thanks to Tranche 4 procurement
German parliament’s budget committee approved a 5.4 billion euro contract to buy 38 Eurofighter T4 fighters.
German Air Force Eurofighters. The GAF fleet will be enhanced with the introduction of 38 new Tranche 4 aircraft. |
On 5 November 2020, the Bundestag (German Parliament) gave the green light for the purchase of 38 advanced Eurofighter Tranche 4 aircraft. This acquisition, which took place under the Quadriga Project, will allow the Luftwaffe (German Air Force) to use the aircraft in its full capacity up to half of the century and will enable Germany to effectively fulfill its duties to NATO.
Air Force Inspector Lieutenant General Ingo Gerhartz welcomes the Bundestag's decision: "This important decision strengthens the capabilities of our Air Force. By replacing the outdated and maintenance-intensive Tranche 1 aircraft, we are increasing the operational readiness of the Eurofighter fleet and therefore our reliability within the alliance."
First generation Eurofighters have been operating in Germany since 2004. Luftwaffe said maintenance has become increasingly complicated over the years. "The technology can only be kept ready for use with great effort and sometimes there are bottle cones in the supply of spare parts," the armed force said.
Thanks to the arrival of the modern Eurofighter Tranche 4, the Luftwaffe will receive a multi-role aircraft that - unlike the Tranche 1 - can be used not only in air to air missions, but also against ground targets. Germany has engaged in both roles with NATO.
"Today's commitment to purchase up to 38 Eurofighter aircraft strengthens Typhoon's role in European defense for decades to come," Luftwaffe said.
The first Eurofighters will be delivered by 2025 and the order will be completed in 2030.
The new aircraft are also intended to replace the two Eurofighters destroyed in a plane crash last year. Additionally, three of the 38 platforms will be used for testing. These will be assigned to the future Eurofighter National Test and Development Center. The center aims to provide significant support for the development of the modern E-scan radar, as well as other capabilities.
Written by Matteo Sanzani
Image: Eurofighter GmbH
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